LinkedIn CrossClimb #563 Solution: Step-by-Step Guide for November 14, 2025 Puzzle

Welcome to today's detailed solution guide for the LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle, question_id 563, published on November 14, 2025. This brainteaser involves climbing from one word to another by changing exactly one letter at each step, guided by a series of hints.

CrossClimb challenges your vocabulary and logical reasoning skills, as each answer must fit the given clue and maintain the strict one-letter-difference rule with adjacent words. The final compound question often reveals a clever two-word phrase formed by the puzzle's last step.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Clues and Answers

1. Clue: Solitary
   Answer: LONE
   Why? The word "lone" aptly means solitary or alone, matching perfectly and starting our ladder.
2. Clue: Part of a track that a sprinter is assigned to
   Answer: LANE
   Reasoning: Changing one letter from "LONE" to "LANE" modifies the 'O' to 'A'. "Lane" fits this clue as sprinters run in their assigned lanes on a track.
3. Clue: Touch down on the tarmac at the end of a flight
   Answer: LAND
   Rationale: From "LANE" to "LAND", the last letter 'E' changes to 'D'. "Land" perfectly aligns with the action of touching down after a flight.
4. Clue: ___ it on the line (spoke frankly)
   Answer: LAID
   Explanation: Transitioning "LAND" to "LAID" changes the 'N' to 'I'. The phrase "laid it on the line" means to speak frankly or openly.
5. Clue: Hiding place for a villain or a wild animal
   Answer: LAIR
   Logic: From "LAID" to "LAIR", the last letter changes from 'D' to 'R'. A "lair" is indeed a secret shelter or den, fitting the clue perfectly.

Solving the Compound Question

The final part of the puzzle asks for a two-word phrase describing "a trait of someone who doesn’t visit the barber very often." Using the ladder's endpoint hints, the answer is:

• Top word: LONG
• Bottom word: HAIR

Putting these together forms "LONG HAIR," a perfect description for someone who rarely gets a haircut.

Key Takeaways for Solving CrossClimb Puzzles

• Start by identifying the most straightforward clues; here, "LONE" for solitary was a strong initial anchor.
• Remember the strict one-letter change rule between steps – this limits possibilities and helps guide your choices.
• Use each confirmed word to narrow down options for adjacent clues based on letter position and puzzle logic.
• Finally, interpret the compound question by combining insights from the final answers into a meaningful phrase.

LinkedIn’s CrossClimb #563 puzzle is a stimulating daily challenge emphasizing word ladders and logical deduction. Follow these steps to approach such puzzles methodically and enjoy the satisfaction of reaching the solution: LONG HAIR.